ITRI unveils new print technology

Staff writer, with CNA

Wed, Aug 28, 2013 - Page 14

The Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) yesterday unveiled a new printing technology it developed with Japan’s Komori Corp, one of the world’s largest printing press makers, to help cut the cost of touch panels.

The non-lithography roll-to-roll fine-line printing technology can be used to replace the photolithograph process currently used in touch-panel manufacturing and to fabricate touch panels with ultra-slim bezels, the ITRI said.

The technology will reduce manufacturing times and costs for next-generation touch panels and is expected to be introduced for mass production next year, it said.

The technology can also be applied to organic LED (OLED) lighting, high-speed circuit boards, displays and solar panels in the near future, said Liu Chun-ting (劉軍廷), general director of ITRI’s Electronics and Optoelectronics Research Laboratories.

“Taiwanese firms that use this printing technology will be able to enjoy technological and cost advantages of three to five years over their Japanese and Korean rivals,” Liu told a press conference.

The advanced printing technology can reduce the costs of equipment, materials and manufacturing for touch-panel makers at a time when light and slim bezels have become the mainstream for smart portable devices, he said.

Komori Machinery Co representative director Tsutomu Niitsuma said the collaboration proves printed electronics can lead to innovations for existing products.